Malami Announces Kebbi Governorship Bid: Nigeria’s Attorney-General Steps Into Political Arena

Apr, 21 2025

Attorney-General Abubakar Malami Sets Sights on Kebbi Governorship

On April 5, 2022, Abubakar Malami put months of speculation to rest by publicly declaring that he would seek the Kebbi governorship in 2023. This is not just any announcement; it comes from one of the top legal minds in the country, known to most Nigerians as the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Malami, a two-term cabinet member since 2015, is making a clear departure from a strictly legal background to enter the often turbulent world of politics in his home state. His bid comes as current Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu’s tenure winds down, throwing the race wide open. Malami chose to run on the APC ticket—no surprise there, considering his deep roots in the ruling party even before joining Buhari’s government.

A Shift From Federal Legal Duties To State Politics

For a politician, timing is everything. Malami’s ambition to lead Kebbi State isn’t just about personal advancement—it represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. By stepping out of the legal shadows and into state-level politics, Malami is echoing a trend seen with other powerful federal figures looking to wield more direct influence. His career as AGF has been marked by high-profile cases and national controversy, but state governance requires a different playbook: local alliances, grassroots mobilization, and policies tailored to everyday people in Kebbi.

People across Nigeria—especially in Kebbi—have already started to weigh his chances. While some see Malami’s extensive legal experience and network as an advantage, others question how smoothly he can navigate local concerns and political dynamics. Being the face of federal law isn’t the same as facing the issues of farmers in Yauri or the youths in Birnin Kebbi. Can Malami transform years of handling sensitive federal matters into practical leadership at the state level? That’s the question on many lips.

His background provides both leverage and challenges. Malami’s national stature means resources, connections, and media attention. On the flip side, any controversial decisions he made as AGF could become ammunition for rivals. Kebbi’s political scene isn’t short on strong personalities seeking to emerge as the next governor, so the road won’t be smooth.

The tension in Kebbi will likely intensify as campaign season gets closer. Everyone will be watching: Will Malami leverage his reputation as the President’s legal enforcer to win local hearts, or will the transition from federal authority to state leadership prove tougher than expected? Kebbi’s future political direction could depend on how this plays out.